Eberwhite Elementary art teacher Sarah George grew up in Brighton and now lives in Howell. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Visual Arts Education and a minor in Spanish Education, she began her teaching career as a Montessori primary teacher and says she absolutely loved it. She then earned her Master of Arts & Design degree at the University of Northern Colorado and began teaching art at Eberwhite in 2024.
Principal Michelle Hubbard says that George’s compassion and dedication to Eberwhite students are a testament to the educator she is, and that her enthusiasm for art is felt throughout the entire building.”
“Sarah George is an exceptional educator who inspires students to discover and develop their own creativity,” says Principal Michelle Hubbard. “She offers a wide variety of art experiences, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to find a love for art. Actively engaged in the community, Sarah brings art into the school and shares students’ creativity beyond its walls.”
What inspired you to become an art teacher, and how long have you been teaching?
In high school, I took as many art classes as possible. I’ve always had many passions; however, my art teachers had a huge influence over me and inspired me to pursue a career in Visual Arts! I started my teaching career as a Montessori primary teacher and absolutely loved it! I hold a Master of Arts & Design from the University of Northern Colorado. In addition, I received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with a major in Visual Arts Education and a minor in Spanish Education from Eastern Michigan University. I still embrace much of what I learned about Montessori philosophy, a child-centered educational approach that focuses on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural development. It nurtures their innate drive to learn through self-directed exploration in a prepared environment. I found many similarities in Montessori philosophy and Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB-Choice) while doing my research project for my Master’s in Art & Design. I love teaching both teacher-directed lessons, where students focus on technical skill building, as well as creating an environment for student choice and independent studies in the art room!
What do you like about working at AAPS, and at Eberwhite in particular?
I’ve been teaching since 2005 and have taught at Eberwhite Elementary since 2014. I’m honored to be a part of such a great community of students, teachers, administrators, and families. I am very excited to be a part of the Fine Arts Department at AAPS- we have an extraordinary group of fine arts teachers here! I feel extremely blessed to work at Eberwhite Elementary! Our staff is amazing! My principal is extremely supportive of the arts and special education department. The teachers are outstanding, very kind, and caring. Our students are amazing and hardworking learners, and our families and community are fantastic! We also have the Eberwhite woods, which is such a wonderful benefit and is utilized for many art projects!
What is your favorite art medium or technique to teach, and why?
I love teaching with watercolors and mixed media. Mostly, I love teaching using color and helping students express themselves using color.
Can you describe a memorable project or lesson that really resonated with your students?
Students recently created a mural inside our school. We worked alongside artist Krista Skytta, and each class helped paint it! Everyone was so excited to be able to make a large work of art together!
How do you help students overcome the feeling that they “can’t draw” or aren’t naturally artistic?
Students need to feel encouraged and given freedom to express their creative ideas. When they have choices, they may be more excited to create because they have an internal drive and passion for their topic of interest. I provide many resources for students, such as “Learn to Draw” books, so they can research ideas. Students love working one-on-one or with a friend to learn new techniques, and then feel more excited to try something new!
What role do you think art education plays in a child’s development?
Art provides students with an outlet to express and share their world through their lens, so others can understand their experiences. Art is essential for our students. In a world that seems so busy and focused on technology, it is essential for students to slow down and take the time to use their hands and senses. They are able to make connections in the visual arts to their world and others. Through our art programming, enthusiastic and imaginative kindergarten artists become sophisticated, talented, and expressive high school art students!
In education, as in life, the only constant is change. Students journey through the years from the uncertain days of kindergarten to the pride of graduation in their senior year, and they will experience this firsthand. Just as a caterpillar learns to crawl on its own will, it too takes the journey to become a butterfly flying on the wings of dreams. These truths are most evident in the journey a student takes to develop their artistic abilities. From the early days of scribbling and “staying between the lines” to the days of true expression through the flying waves of the paint brush. However, what students will learn is not necessarily the change but the lessons learnt through the process of change.
As their art changes, so does their own ability to relate and see the world around them. Students will go through the creative process again and again, just as the caterpillar crawls on the ground of experimentation until one day they develop the confidence to change into a truly reflective individual. As this process evolves, the student will start to seek to make their art more aesthetically pleasing and reflect what they have come to know about their world.
What would surprise coworkers to know about you?
Adding to my passion for teaching and creating art, I am also an accomplished equestrian, dog trainer, and animal lover. I also enjoy traveling and spending time with my friends and family! I enjoy doing Agility and scent work with my dog, Porthos, who is a 10-year-old Black Lab/Beagle Mix. I also own a 26-year-old half-Arabian, half-Saddlebred named Diego. We’ve competed primarily in Western Dressage and Endurance, and he is living his very best retired life. I’m a dog trainer and have been riding for 30-plus years and have an extensive background in a variety of riding disciplines, including Dressage, Western Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Endurance, Trail, Western Horsemanship, Drill Team, Vaulting, Judged Trail/Obstacle Course, Gymkhana, Fox Hunting, & Driving.
In addition, I was able to channel my passion for riding and teaching by coaching the Ann Arbor Skyline Equestrian team for 4 years. For my personal art, I enjoy photography, graphic design, mixed media, and encaustic painting. I love flying and sometimes help co-pilot with my Dad in his small plane.
What’s your favorite local restaurant, and what do you usually order?
I’m definitely a foodie! My favorite food is Eastern European, and my favorite restaurant is Hungarian Rhapsody in Southgate. I usually order Chicken paprikash, goulash, and apricot palascinta.
If you could have the talent of any artist in history, who would it be?
I would love to work with glass and learn some skills from Dale Chihuly.
What has been your biggest challenge as an art teacher, and how have you addressed it?
I think one of the biggest challenges of being an art teacher is funding. Art supplies cost a lot of money, so it’s important to teach students how to use materials appropriately and not waste materials. Taking care of our supplies and preparing the environment is essential for our programs. An excellent visual arts program uses a variety of materials for students to express themselves, and it’s important for the whole community to advocate for the arts so students can have such important opportunities with a well-funded arts program. We showcase our students’ amazing work through a variety of art shows throughout the year, so students, families, and the community can learn about our programs and what students learn with all the different materials we use to create. Through advocacy for the arts, like our shows, we hope to maintain and enhance our programs.
What advice would you give to parents who want to support their child’s artistic development at home?
Don’t worry about the mess. Let them get messy and teach them how to clean everything up. Let them paint and set up an art station. Encourage them to express themselves with their choice of materials. Get them a Polaroid camera! Let them experiment and play with materials. Buy them “learn to draw” books. Show interest by asking them questions about their art. Take them to the art museum! Sign your child up for an art camp or after-school art class.
If you could plan the ultimate field trip for your students, where would you go and what would you want them to experience?
I would love to take students to the Chihuly exhibit at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids! This exhibit will be open to the public from May 2nd to November 1st, 2026. Nature is such an important aspect of students’ lives, and I would love to show them the sculpture gardens where art and environment interact, allowing students to imagine creating their own large-scale artworks in unexpected places! This highly anticipated exhibition transforms both beautiful outdoor gardens and inviting indoor Sculpture Galleries with the world-renowned artistry of Dale Chihuly. Stroll through the gardens and discover monumental glass sculptures, vibrant reeds, and stunning site-specific installations that harmoniously blend art with nature, creating breathtaking moments around every corner.
What do you hope students take away from your art class, beyond just artistic skills?
My hope is that, through the artistic process, students will feel empowered, make connections, build self-esteem, appreciate the arts, cultures, and human experiences, and create art in their lives beyond the classroom.
What’s most exciting about your personal life right now? Your professional life?
I’ve been having a blast riding friends’ horses to hounds and jumping logs on the beautiful trails at the Waterloo Hunt Club! I’m also really looking forward to traveling a lot soon! I’m very excited to attend the National Art Education Association Conference this March in Chicago! I look forward to attending workshops and learning from colleagues from other states.
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